Wednesday, November 28, 2007

It’s Gonna Take Some Math…

I started swatching for my grandson Eli’s Christmas gift (Santa Cruz Hoodie from Knit 2 Together). I think I might have to spend a little time in remedial math on this one. The pattern guage is 12 st = 4 inches if I did the division right that’s 3 stitches to the inch. So far on size 10.5 needles (recommended size in pattern); I’m getting 4.5 stitches to the inch (and I knit big). I’m think that I will just go ahead and knit the full 5” square swatch and give it the spa treatment just to be sure before I panic. But, that said, I will also cast on with a size 13 needle (groan) just to see what happens. The problem is as some of you sock knitters might appreciate, using size 13’s after working many socks and hats on smaller needles is like knitting with tree trunks. Plus, I’m reasonably sure without checking that I don’t have any circulars in 13. (Grrr). So, the next rational thing to do…. is THE MATH. I may have to actually drag out a calculator and figure out how the swatch numbers can be used to come up with number of stitches to get the correct measurements for the pattern. I’m pretty sure this is do-able because the pattern is mostly stockinette stitch and seed stitch borders. No fancy lace or other stuff to have to take into consideration if I have to fudge a little to make it work. Wish me luck.

Oh, I did finish the Koolhaas hat today. Much fun and pretty, too. Look:
(sorry the picture doesn't do it justice - very grey outside today)
So on that note, I think I’ll get back to my knitting. Who knows, maybe I’ll even check my needle stash to see if I have a neglected size 13 circular

2 comments:

SciFiTVFanGirl said...

Good luck with the hoodie...see...this is why I stick to blankets...gauge always trips me up...

*hug*

sharon said...

If Only I had known - I have two 13 circs and you could have had one...
Your package went out yesterday, but due to cross border shipping stated it would likely be Tuesday. Sorry I was late.